Free Speech? A Few Words

LETTERS FROM READERS

August 3, 1999

THIS LETTER is in response to Myriam Marquez's July 26 column discussing flag burning as a form of protest. I agree with Marquez that the First Amendment is at the core of this nation's greatness. But I disagree with protesters that the burning of the flag of the United States should be allowed as a part of the First Amendment's protection of free speech.

There are many ways in which a person is allowed to demonstrate his dissatisfaction in a protest without insulting the symbol of our nation. By befouling our flag, these demonstrators demean every citizen-soldier who served our country - and especially those veterans who come home draped with our country's symbol.

No. Just as the First Amendment does not allow a citizen to cry ``Fire!'' in a crowded theater, neither should it allow the beloved symbol of our country to be desecrated as a part of someone's protest.

Marquez is correct: Congress should not have to amend the Constitution to prevent this. Common decency should be enough to stop one from doing such a heinous thing